Sonar X1 Advanced Workshop by Craig Anderton: Timesheet and description of contents

Timesheet + Beepster Notes


Sonar X1 Advanced Workshop by Craig Anderton (vid 1)

(Chapter 1) - Better Workflow and Creativity

00:00:00 Introducing Skylight

Notes: General description of the Skylight Interface and how to use it.

Relevance: Some things have changed since X1 but most things in vid still relevant.

00:03:30 Creating Screensets

Notes: General description of Screensets.

Relevance: Screensets are mostly unchanged since X1.

00:06:15 Editing with Smart Tools

Notes: In depth description of Smart Tool Functions in X1.

Relevance: The Smart Tool does many more things now due to new features introduced since X1 but many of the functions described still work in the same way or in a very similar way.

00:12:20 Object Oriented Editing

Notes: Shows an efficient method of applying mix/effect changes to specific areas of audio clips without affecting the rest of the clip.

Relevance: General production technique. Still relevant.

00:14:05 Enter the Matrix

Notes: A beginner/intermediate description and tutorial of how to use the Matrix feature. Shows how to use the Matrix to

create and record a full performance using the Matrix including MIDI controller triggering of Cells And Columns.

Relevance: The Matrix features shown have not changed since X1.

00:21:55 Arpeggiator Meets Percussion

Notes: Shows how to use the on track MIDI arpeggiator functions to creatively alter MIDI drum performances automatically.

Relevance: MIDI track Arpeggiator functions are unchanged since X1. Concepts can be applied to any MIDI track/Instrument for controlled randomization (not just drums).

00:25:15 Humanizing the Step Sequencer

Notes: This is a very good beginner to intermediate tutorial on how the Step Sequencer works. Note Step input is not covered thoroughly but can be easily obtained through other tutorials on CakeTV or through the manual. What this does cover is how to access and use the Step Sequencer control sections to adjust Velocity, Humanize and other useful paramaters on a per "Row/Sound" basis either using the overall control knobs or manually drawing in changes for each Step. It also shows how to convert Step Sequencer clips to standard MIDI Clips (which can then be edited in the Piano Roll View) and converting Standard MIDI clips into Step Sequencer clips.

Relevance: The Step Sequencer has not changed since X1. This is a very useful video for understanding the more complex functions and uses of the Step Sequencer,


(Chapter 2) - Looping and Warping

00:27:15 Slicing Loops For Hi-Fi Stretching

Notes: Shows how to use the Loop Constructor to manually create hi quality Groove Clips from audio files.

Relevance: The Loop Constructor has not changed since X1. This is a very detailed tutorial that covers many Loop Contructor concepts as well as in depth procedures to make sure your Groove Clips will always follow your project tempo without losing sound quality.


00:32:15 Creating a Looper

Notes: Shows how to create an old school audio "Looper" using track/bus routing and the Sonitus Delay plugin. This results in a tweakable perpetual loop/repeat of the original signal.

Relevance: The only plugin used is the Sonitus Delay which is still included. Even if it weren't this is a routing trick using specific delay settings so could probably be emulated with other delay effects. It is rather complex but interesting.

00:36:31 Processing Groove Clips

Notes: Shows how to apply/print effects to Groove Clips from the FX Bin or with Clip FX without wiping out Groove Clip data like user created transient markers.   

Relevance: Not sure if this has been solved since X1. Essentially bouncing effects from the FX bin to a Groove Clip can destroy the transient data associated with the Groove Clip. This will cause problems when stretching the audio. This shows how to avoid the problem.

00:39:18 Optimizing Groove Clips

Notes: Shows how to fix time stretching fidelity problems with Groove Clips. If a Groove Clip exhibits artifacts, loses fidelity or generally sounds odd when drastically slowed down/sped up this procedure will help fix it by adding user transients manually.

Relevance: General production technique. Loop Constructor has not changed since X1.

00:43:05 Perfect Pad Looping

Notes: Shows how to create seamless loops for user generated synth "pad" sounds so they can be converted to Groove Clips, saved and inserted into projects as needed. More specifically it shows a specific workflow to cut and blend the starts and ends of an audio clip so when it is looped/repeated the transition is smooth and natural.

Relevance: General production technique. It seems like it could be used for much more than synth pads. Very useful.

00:45:30 Timbre Shifting With Loops

Notes: Shows a simple method to drastically and creatively alter the sound of audio clips using the Loop Constructor's settings.

Relevance: General production technique and is a good example of how the Loop Constructor settings works.

(Chapter 3) - Mixing and Effects

00:47:40 Using FX Chains

Notes: General description of how to create, insert and edit FX Chains.

Relevance: FX Chains have changed significantly since X1. The general concept remains the same but has become more refined and we now have the ability to create Prochannel FX Chain Modules. Although useful it is probably best to refer to more recent tutorials or the manual in regards to FX Chains.

00:50:53 Generating Frequency Tracking Automation Envelopes

Notes: Shows how to use the Cakewalk Analyst plugin (which is a real time frequency spectrum analyzer) to generate automation envelopes which can then be used to control parameters of effects or anything that will read automation. This is a good general tutorial about the Analyst and it's many hidden features and uses.

Relevance: As far as I know the Analyst was removed after X2 in favor of the QuadCurve Flyout analyzer (I could be wrong though) so X3 users and beyond may not have this plugin. The QuadCurve unfortunately does not allow for output of automation envelopes like the Analyst did.

00:53:40 Virtual Micing for Acoustic Instruments

Notes: Shows how to create a very realistic stereo mic image from a single track.

Relevance: General production technique. Only uses cloning, panning and EQ (maybe delay... I forget). Very useful and relevant.

00:57:07 Using the PX-64 On Bass Tracks

Notes: A good demonstration of using the PX64 Percussion Strip plugin to process a bass track including transient shaping.

Relevance: The PX64 is a multi effect processor for drums but this shows it can be used for other tasks. It is still included in Sonar 2015 but only in Platinum (Boutique Effects)

01:00:52 Integrating External Hardware Effects

Notes: Shows how to use the external insert function in Sonar.

Relevance: I have not heard of any changes to the external insert feature in Sonar. Very useful for integrating outboard gear into your signal path non-destructively.

01:02:56 Using Perfect Space Reverb for Sound Design

Notes: Shows how to create and tweak "vocoder" type effects using Perfect Space convolution reverb by loading a wave file instead of an impulse response.

Relevance: Perfect Space was removed after X2 (or perhaps X3) and was replaced by Breverb. Not sure if this technique can be used with Breverb.

01:06:50 Sidechaining for Rhythmic Effects

Notes: Shows how to set up sidechaining within Sonar using the Sonitus Compressor.

Relevance: General production technique using the Sonitus Compressor which is low resource and not likely to be discontinued any time soon.
 
(Chapter 4) - Prochannel

01:09:24 Parallel Compression

Notes: Shows how to apply Parallel compression using either the Prochannel compressor modules or the VC64 (Vintage Channel). For the VC64 he shows how to set up two different compression levels instead of a simple wet/dry mix.

Relevance: The VC64 was removed after X2 but the Prochannel modules remain. This is particularly useful for those who own the VC64 from older versions. General production technique.

01:11:30 Adding Tube Saturation

Notes: Shows how to properly use the Prochannel Tube Saturation module to get the best saturation effect for a track.

Relevance: Tube Sat is still included.

01:14:17 Emulating Vintage Phase Shifters

Notes: Shows how to create a vintage sounding phase shifter effect using only the Prochannel Quad Curve EQ and some simple automation.

Relevance: The Quad Curve has changed a bit since X1 but the core functions are the same. This is a general production technique as well so could be used on other EQ's. Sounds cool.

01:16:48 Optimising Amp Simulators

Notes: Shows how to make amp sim tracks sound more realistic/less harsh. It is extremely effective and I use it all the time.

Relevance: He is using GR4 which required these types of tweaks much more than TH2 does but these techniques are very useful and can save a lot of time and effort and produce much nicer sounding tracks. There is a followup video that shows an alternate/additional method for dealing with harsh sims in the Sonar Advanced Next Level video which is just as, if not more, effective but it uses the discontinued VC64 (Vintage Channel).

01:22:37 Creating Vintage "Wah" Pedal Effects

Notes: Shows how to create a vintage wah wah effect using only cloning and the Prochannel Quad Curve EQ.

Relevance: This is a general production technique that does not require special plugins.

(Chapter 5) - Mastering

01:25:08 Mastering Inside Sonar

Notes: Shows how Craig sets up his projects for mastering using screensets and briefly touches on the export function.

Relevance: This is mostly about making visual changes to the Sonar interface to reduce unnecessary clutter while mastering and shows a simple export. Not much (if anything) has changed with these functions since X1.

01:28:18 Track Down EQ Problems with the Analyst

Notes: Shows how to spot potentially problematic frequencies in a final mix using the Cakewalk Analyst (a frequency analyzer).

Relevance: The Analyst was removed after X2 in favor of the new Quad Curve frequency analyzer flyout. The principles are the same but the QC flyout does not have all of the same features as the Analyst did. That does not affect the effectiveness of the technique though. The QC just does not provide a visual representation of the -3dB per Oct. frequency curve to compare the track frequency output to like the Analyst does.

01:31:08 Repairing Clicks

Notes: This shows how to effectively remove pops, clicks or clipping from tracks manually without any special tools or plugins. Extremely useful.

Relevance: General production technique.

01:33:10 Maximizing Loudness

Notes: Shows how to increase overall levels using the Sonitus Multiband Compressor.

Relevance: Sonitus Multiband is still included but this could be done with other, similar, multiband compressors.

01:34:22 Assembling An Album

Notes: Shows a workflow/method to set up finished/mixed tracks for an "album" including crossfading the start/ends of songs together.

Relevance: This is not the proper, professional way to acheive redbook standards but Sonar does not have those capabilities. This is however a good way to export an album for demos, personal use and possibly sending to a mastering house or into a proper mastering program.

01:39:14 Conclusion - Thanks For Watching

Notes: Ain't Craig a nice guy?

Relevance: The Anderton is ALWAYS relevant.

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Sonar (X1) Advanced Workshop: The Next Level by Craig Anderton (vid 2)

Chapter 1 - Ambience and Spatial Effects

00:00:00 Better Drums With Virtual Room Mics

Notes: Shows how to create a virtual drum room for dry drum tracks using reverb, sends and busses.

Relevance: Although he uses Perfect Space convolution reverb (which is no longer included) any quality reverb will work (like Breverb). Sends have changed slightly in Sonar 2015 but the procedure is pretty much the same. General production technique.

00:04:47 The Preverb Effect

Notes: Shows how to create a "reversed" reverb and delay effect so the reverb tails and delay repetitions swell into the material as opposed to trailing after it.

Relevance: General production technique. Classic effect.

00:08:10 Mono to Stereo Spreader (using VC-64)

Notes: This is a cool technique to turn mono signals into a virtual stereo signal. Very effective.

Relevance: This uses the VC64 (Vintage Channel) plugin which was removed after X2. It could probably be duplicated using other methods but the VC64 makes it easier. General production technique.

00:10:45 Ethereal Reverb

Notes: This is a rather complex but very nice and tight sounding reverb effect using Sonitus, Channel Tools and sends/busses.

Relevance: Both the Sonitus plugins and Channel Tools are still included in Sonar 2015 but this could probably be acheived through other methods.

00:13:55 Stereo Widening

Notes: Shows how to use Channel Tools to quickly and easily add more width (or less) to a stereo signal. This is a good demonstration of SOME basic features of the Channel Tools plugin. Very useful.

Relevance: Channel tools is still included in Sonar 2015.

00:16:56 Neo-Gated Reverb

Notes: Shows how to use the TS64 Transient Shaper to manipulate a reverb sound for some interesting 80's/90's type effects on drums and elswehere.

Relevance: The TS64 Transient Shaper is still included in Sonar 2015 but only in Platinum.


Chapter 2 - Guitar

00:19:37 Sweetening Amp Sims With Deessing

Notes: This shows how to make amp sims sound more realistic/less harsh using the VC64 (Vintage Channel) plugin. It is a follow up to the amp sim entry from the first video (Sonar Advanced). This is very effective and is a good demonstration of how to use the VC64 which includes a deesser function.

Relevance: The VC64 was removed after X2. This is a rather specific procedure requiring the VC64 however some of the principles could possibly be applied using other plugins.

00:23:56 Sonar's Virtual MIDI Guitar

Notes: Shows how to use the Fretboard Pane within Sonar's Staff View to input notes and create realistic MIDI guitar parts. He uses Dimension Pro for the guitar sound.

Relevance: The Fretboard Pane has not changed since X1 and you could use any synth... not just DimPro.

00:28:06 Virtual Tunings for Guitar

Notes: Shows how to use the Transpose process and Cakewalk Multi Voice Chorus plugin to create a virtual 12 string guitar sound from the six string output of a guitar with "hex" pickups. He also shows how to use the Nudge process dialog to create a virtual strumming effect.

Relevance: This will not work unless you have a guitar that has hex pickups (a hex pickup allows the sound of each string to be output individually so they can be routed to their own track in Sonar). It is still a good demonstration of how to use the Transpose and Nudge processes. I am uncertain whether the Cakewalk Multi Voice Chorus is still included in Sonar 2015 because I do not see it on the product comparison page but I don't see why they would remove it. They may just have it listed under a different/more generic name.
 
Chapter 3 - Dynamics Enhancements

00:34:15 The Acoustifier

Notes: This shows how to make certain tracks sound more like acoustic instruments (like a MIDI drum part) using the PC4K Expander/Gate, Prochannel QuadCurve EQ and cloning. Although this is supposed to be an "acoustifier" I think it is a good way to simply add some pop and clarity to tracks with a lot of transients that need to be emphasized.

Relevance: I may be wrong but I do not think the PC4K Exp/Gate is included in any of the Sonar packages (it was however included in X1 Expanded) but can be purchased separately in the Cake store. Any expander and EQ could probably do this. Therefore I consider this a general production technique.

00:38:08 Percussive Compression (turning a compressor into an expander/gate)

Notes: This shows a simple trick to turn a compressor into a high quality expander (which is a gate that closes more smoothly/gradually than a standard gate which can be rather abrupt and abrasive). Very useful

Relevance: General production technique.

00:41:09 Transparent Compression for Mastering (using VC64)

Notes: This shows how to use the VC64 (Vintage Channel) to apply two stage compression which increases levels and clarity without the compression being noticeable. Particularly good for acoustic instruments and mastering. Very useful and popular technique.

Relevance: Although the VC64 was removed after X2 this type of compression can be achieved in other ways. General production technique.

00:44:20 "Pumping" Dance Music Drums

Notes: This shows how to set up the classic sidechain compression method used to cause the "ducking" effect that is common in dance music. Can also be used for getting bass tracks out of the way of kick drum hits in more traditional music (which is not specifically described in the vid).

Relevance: General production technique. Only requires a compressor with a sidechaining function.

Chapter 4 - Multiband Techniques

00:48:20 Multiband Imaging for Mastering (using LP64 Multiband compressor to isolate and center bass freqs)

Notes: Shows how to make sure the bass and kick drum on a mixed stereo track are centered in the stereo field (which helps keep them out of the way of other elements in the mix) using the LP64 Multiband Compressor. This is a very good demonstration of how to use the LP64. Particularly how to isolate frequency ranges without compressing them.

Relevance: The LP64 is still included in Sonar 2015 except for in the Artist version. However this technique can be acheived using the Sonitus Multiband compressor or other similar multiband compressors. General production technique.

00:52:44 Multiband Signal Processing (for guitar using Sonitus Multiband)

Notes: This shows how to use the Sonitus Multiband Compressor to split a guitar signal into separate frequency bands so each frequency range can be tweaked/panned individually. This allows for a much more intricate and full sound and is a good demonstration of how the Sonitus Multiband Compressor works. This could also be used on other signals with a broad frequency spectrum such as piano.

Relevance: The Sonitus Multiband is still included in Sonar 2015 but this could be done with any similar multiband compressor. General production technique.

Chapter 5 - Workflow

01:00:57 Speed Up Screensets and Browsing (disable non existent floppy drive)

Notes: This shows how to fix a Windows problem that can slow down file searches in the Browser and on your computer in general by disabling non existent floppy drives on your system.

Relevance: This may no longer be a problem in more modern versions of Windows but worth a look anyway.

01:02:15 Prochannel Effects Order

Notes: Shows how various Prochannel module and FX Bin orders will produce different results using the same effects. This is a very important concept to understand. It is crucial to know and be able to anticipate how different effects interact with each other in a signal chain and how to set up your signal chain properly. This is a rudimentary explanation of these concepts using EQ, compression and setting the Pre/Post status of the FX Bin.

Relevance: Although this focuses on the Prochannel this is a general production technique.

01:08:20 Create Custom LFOs with Automation (advanced envelopes and copy/paste envelopes)

Notes: This shows some more advanced automation envelope techniques (like using the Draw Tool to create specific patterns and how to properly copy/paste envelopes to other tracks). It also shows some very useful tricks to control important parameters like track volume without having your faders overtaken by automation envelopes (if you write a volume envelope you can no longer control your track fader... this shows you how to avoid that).

Relevance: Automation has changed a little since X1 with the introduction of automation lanes but most of the procedures and concepts are still relevant. Extremely useful.

01:12:27 Customizing Plugin Skins

Notes: This shows you how to access the graphic files for some plugin "skins" so you can change how they look.

Relevance: This is more of a computer trick that doesn't have much to do with music production but it is interesting. Be VERY careful when doing this though so you don't get stuck with bad GUIs forcing you to reinstall your plugins (essentially do not lose the original graphics in case you get bored with Hello Kitty dials on your plugins). Only certain plugins can be manipulated in this way.

01:14:53 MIDI Guitar Editing Tips (MIDI deglitch)

Notes: Shows how to properly use the Deglitch process to remove accidental/false triggered notes created when performing a MIDI part from a controller. The example used is a track created by a MIDI guitar controller which are prone to sending false data but so can other controllers (my padKontrol sometimes sends unwanted double notes when performing drum parts).

Relevance: The Deglitch process is unchanged since X1.

Chapter 6 - Vocal Processing

01:17:10 Hard Pitch Corrected Vocals

Notes: Shows how to use V-Vocal to create the exaggerated "Auto Tune" effect made popular by Cher's "Do You Believe" and is now on (far too many IMHO) hip hop and R&B vocal tracks. This is a good demonstration of some of the functions in V-Vocal. It also shows some other cool V-Vocal tricks not easily duplicated with our current toolset.

Relevance: This is technically a general production technique but the procedure is different depending on which pitch correction tool is being used. He is using V-Vocal which was removed from Sonar after X2 (and replaced with Melodyne Essentials). The same effect can be acheived with Melodyne but the procedure is different. If you do happen to own V-Vocal this is a useful vid. If not it is still interesting but perhaps not particularly useful. V-Vocal was removed because it was supposedly quite buggy and erratic.

01:20:18 Enhance Vocal Dynamics with Dynamic Filtering (Freq Analyst envelope to control EQ parameters)

Notes: Shows how to use the Cakewalk Analyst (which is a frequency analyzer that can write multiple automation envelopes based on the signal being fed into it) to create an automation envelope that can then be used to control an EQ (in this case the Prochannel Quad Curve). This allows the EQ to follow the sound (he uses a vocal track) in real time to make adjustments exactly where and when they are needed. This is extremely cool and useful.

Relevance: The Analyst was unfortunately removed after X2 and replaced with the Quad Curve flyout analyzer. The Quad Curve does not write envelopes. This will only work if you have the Analyst or another frequency analyzer that can output  automation envelopes.

Chapter 7 - Vintage Effects

01:24:25 Amp Vibrato Emulation (Sonitus Modulator and MIDI Controller routing)  

Notes: Shows how to use the Sonitus Modulator plugin to create a specific vintage (and very nice souding) vibrato effect. It also shows some rather intricate MIDI controller mapping functions and manipulation of the Modulator.

Relevance: The Sonitus Modulator is still included in Sonar 2015. I am uncertain whether the controller mapping procedure he uses is still relevant. I have never seen the method shown in the vid anywhere else but even if things are done  differently in more recent Sonar versions everything shown can still be acheived. This is actually a very advanced and somewhat confusing (to me) tutorial.

01:28:50 Vintage Tape Flanging (Sonitus Modulator)

Notes: This shows how to use the Sonitus Modulator to recreate an old method of using two tape machines to cause a flange effect. It is relatively simple but uses specific settings. Sounds very cool.

Relevance: The Sonitus Modulator is still included in Sonar 2015. This effect could probably be achieved with other plugins if they have the same extensive controls as the Sonitus Modulator.

01:32:42 Wah/Anti-Wah Filtering (Sonitus Wahwah)

Notes: Shows how to use the Sonitus Wah plugin to create the "Wah/Anti Wah" effect and set up triggered wah wah (which means the wah is activated by the incoming signal as opposed to manually operated by the producer/musician). It is a good demonstration of how to use the Sonitus Wahwah plugin.

Relevance: The Sonitus Wahwah plugin is still included in Sonar 2015.

01:35:33 Psychedelic 60's "Breathing" Drums (VC-64)

Notes: Shows how to use the VC64 (Vintage Channel) to acheive the heavily compressed/tape Ringo/Beatles type drum sound where the "cymbals suck into the drums". This is a good demonstration of how to use the VC64's dual compressors.

Relevance: The VC64 was removed after X2. It probably is possible to recreate this effect using other plugs but he uses rather specific settings within the VC64 so perhaps not very relevant to those who do not own the plugin.

01:38:00 Pentagon I Vocoder/Cross-Synthesizer (use audio to trigger/affect synth)

Notes: This shows how to use the Pentagon I synthesizer as a vocoder effect (robot voice is one example). The general premise is you can use the Pentagon I and a MIDI track/performance to alter an audio track. He also discusses how to solve a possible Windows 64/UAC issue with Pentagon I (which I have never encountered). He also shows how to use an audio track to manipulate paramaters within the synth. So the synth can be used as an effect on audio or the synth can be controlled by incoming audio. Both cool effects with lots of possibilities.

Relevance: I am not seeing Pentagon I on the Sonar 2015 Instruments list so I am unsure whether it is included. Not sure why they would remove it so perhaps it is a typo. If it is still included or you already own Pentagon I the process should be exactly the same as shown in the vid. This is a classic effect.

01:41:30 Extreme Phaser (Cakewalk Classic Phaser)

Notes: Shows a simple technique to intensify a phaser sound and allow for even more control over the effect. He uses the Cakewalk Classic Phaser in the example but this could probably be done with any phaser plugin.

Relevance: The Cakewalk Classic Phaser is included in all versions of SOnar 2015 but this effect could probably be achieved with any phaser effect. General production technique.

Chapter 8 - Distortion

01:43:40 Preserve Dynamics with Saturation (Tube Sat)

Notes: This shows simple method of applying heavy saturation to a track without turning the end result into a muddy, screechy, distorted mess. This allows access to the extra presence, punch and weight added by saturation without all the negative effects of an overly sataurated track. Very useful for percussive sounds like drums.

Relevance: He is using the Prochannel Tube Sat module for the demonstration which is still included in Sonar 2015 but this could be done using any saturation effect. General production technique.

01:46:19 Distortion Construction Kit (Tube Sat/Softube)

Notes: Shows how to create a distortion chain for guitar, bass, drums or anything else using the Tube Sat and/or Softube Saturation Knob modules, EQ and compression in various configurations for different distortion effects.
 
Relevance: The Tube Sat and Softube Saturation Knob modules are still included in Sonar 2015. These set ups could probably be created using any similar plugins. General production technique.